Canada Tourist Visa for Indians in 2025: Exact Requirements, Documents & Step-by-Step Process

Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travelers, whether for exploring its breathtaking natural beauty, visiting friends and family, or attending important events. However, securing a Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) requires more than just filling out an application form. The process in 2025 has specific requirements, document standards, and procedural steps that must be followed carefully to avoid delays or refusals. This detailed guide breaks down the exact eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, biometrics process, and proven tips to strengthen your application as an Indian citizen.

Visa vs eTA for Indian citizens
Indian passport holders need a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) to travel to Canada; they are not eTA-eligible.

Length of stay and visa validity
Most visitors are admitted for up to 6 months per entry. Visa officers may issue either a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa and decide its validity. As a general rule, a TRV can be valid up to 10 years or until your passport or biometrics expire—whichever comes first.

Core eligibility
You must have a valid passport, be in good health, have no relevant criminal/immigration violations, show strong ties to India (job, property, family, financial assets), prove you’ll leave at the end of the visit, and show enough money for your stay.

What “enough money” looks like in practice
IRCC asks for bank statements (ideally 6 months) showing balances, account holder details, and the bank’s contact information. If employed, include a recent employer letter with specifics (name, start date, salary, contact details).

Purpose-of-travel proof that actually helps
For tourism: itinerary, flight plans, and accommodation holds. For family or business visits: invitation letters with host details or business correspondence.

Travelling with minors
When a child under 18 is travelling with one parent, relatives, or alone, carry a consent/authorization letter and any custody/adoption papers as applicable.

IRCC fees
Visitor visa application fee: CAD $100. Biometrics fee (if required): CAD $85.

Other costs
Expect separate service charges for VFS Global services in India (for example, courier/passport transmission or premium lounge if you choose it). Appointment booking for biometrics itself is free; don’t pay anyone for a biometrics slot.

Where to apply
Use the IRCC Portal for visitor visas (tourist, family, business), complete the online forms, upload evidence, and pay fees.

Document checklist and forms
IRCC’s “How to apply” page generates a tailored list based on your reason for travel and includes forms like IMM 5257 (Application for TRV) and family information forms.

After submission
You’ll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) if biometrics are required. Book a VAC appointment and give biometrics within the deadline (usually 30 days).

Decision and passport stamping
If approved, you’ll get a Passport Request (PPR). In India, you typically submit your passport via VFS Global for visa counterfoil issuance; service fees and courier options apply.

Where and when
Give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) by appointment. Appointments are free to book; beware of third parties charging for slots. IRCC usually gives you 30 days from the BIL to complete biometrics.

Validity and re-use
Your biometrics are generally valid for 10 years for temporary resident applications, so you may not need to give them again within that period.

What the official tool says
IRCC updates processing times weekly; always check the tool for the most current estimate for “Visitor visa (outside Canada) – India.”

Recent snapshots (for planning only, not guarantees)
Processing times have been around 18–19 days in recent months, but outliers occur and times fluctuate.

Speed-up tips that actually matter
Apply early, submit a clean and complete file, and schedule biometrics immediately after your BIL.

Medical exam
For visits of six months or less, a medical exam is generally not required unless you’ll work in certain public-health-sensitive occupations. If staying over six months or you’ve lived in specified countries for extended periods, IRCC may require one.

Police certificates
Visitor visa applicants are not routinely asked for a police certificate, but IRCC can request one case-by-case.

What qualifies
If you’ve travelled to Canada in the last 10 years or hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, your file can be screened for expedited processing (CAN+). There’s no separate form; you apply normally and include proof to trigger VAC screening.

How to signal eligibility
Upload scans of U.S. visas and recent U.S./Canada entry stamps; include them in your travel history bundle.

Identity & travel history
Clear colour copy of your passport bio page plus pages with visas/stamps. If you have old passports with travel, include those too (last 10 years).

Financials
Six months of bank statements with your name, address, bank contact details, and visible balances. If self-employed, add GST filings, business registration, and recent ITR acknowledgements; if salaried, add a detailed employer letter on letterhead.

Purpose of travel
Tourism: day-by-day outline, accommodation holds, and a realistic budget. Family: invitation letter plus the inviter’s Canadian status proof and relationship proof. Business: invitation from the Canadian entity and event registrations.

Minors
Carry consent letters and any legal documents per your situation.

Admission at port of entry
CBSA can allow up to 6 months per entry by default or record a different period in your passport/visitor record. If you need a passport stamp showing the date by which you must leave, ask the officer at arrival.

Travel medical insurance
Not mandatory for a regular TRV, but Canada does not pay visitor medical bills. Super Visa applicants, however, must meet specific insurance standards.

Step 1 — Create an IRCC Portal account and start a new “Visit Canada” application.
Step 2 — Answer the online questions to generate your personalized checklist.
Step 3 — Prepare uploads precisely: passport copy, 6-month bank statements, employer letter (or business proofs), purpose-of-travel evidence, travel history, and any other supporting documents.
Step 4 — Pay fees online (CAD $100 + $85 biometrics if applicable).
Step 5 — Give biometrics at a VAC within the deadline on your BIL.
Step 6 — Watch for updates; respond quickly to any IRCC request.
Step 7 — If approved, follow the Passport Request (PPR) letter and submit your passport through VFS for counterfoil issuance.
Step 8 — Fly with your supporting documents; at arrival, comply with the stay period granted.

Use IRCC’s Temporary Resident Visa photo standards: final frame 35×45 mm; neutral expression; recent photo; head size limits per IRCC’s spec sheet.

Insufficient or unclear funds
Show consistent inflows and explain large deposits.

Weak or undocumented purpose of travel
Attach a clear itinerary, bookings, and relevant proof.

Ties to India not evidenced
Include employer letters, business registration, tax proofs, and other strong ties.

Missed biometrics window
Book immediately after receiving your BIL.

Over-uploading irrelevant material
Stick to essential documents that prove eligibility.

Do Indians get automatic multiple-entry 10-year visas?
No. Multiple-entry is no longer the default; officers exercise discretion.

Is a police certificate mandatory?
Not routinely for visitors, but it can be requested.

Is medical insurance compulsory for a normal tourist visa?
No, but it’s strongly recommended.

Can prior U.S. travel help?
Yes—valid U.S. visas or recent Canada travel can qualify you for CAN+ expedited processing.

Conclusion

Applying for a Canada Tourist Visa in 2025 as an Indian traveler is a straightforward process if you approach it with proper preparation and attention to detail. From compiling a strong set of supporting documents to understanding biometrics, processing times, and entry conditions, each step plays a crucial role in the success of your application. By following the official process precisely and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve your chances of approval and focus on what really matters—enjoying your time in Canada. Whether your purpose is leisure, family visits, or business, a well-prepared TRV application is your key to a smooth travel experience.